Castles in the Sky sponsor pledges to raise thousands of pounds for lifesaving charity

Barratt Homes South Wales has made a pledge to raise £70,000 for Wales Air Ambulance after staff chose the organisation as their Charity of the Year. 

The home builder has kicked off its partnership by sponsoring one of the 32 large castles which have landed in Swansea as part of a free public art trail this summer, hosted by the lifesaving charity. 

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery.   

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector Partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.  

Those at Barratt Homes South Wales have a personal connection with the Charity.

Lewis Allwood, Barratt Homes South Wales’ Marketing Manager, said: “One of our colleague’s sons was involved in a nasty crash and the air ambulance attended. Thankfully, he’s made a full recovery. 

“The care he received at the scene made such a difference. That personal connection with a colleague, really resonated with our team and rippled throughout the wider business. 

“It is amazing that the service effectively brings a mobile emergency department and theatre to the patient. It makes so much sense and is a real game changer for those who need it.” 

The 10-week art trail is being delivered in partnership with creative producers, Wild in Art, and is supported by Principal Partner, Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), along with Printing Partner, BDP Wales, and Logistics Partner, Owens Group.

The company has sponsored ‘Piccastle’, a design by Reilly Creative located at Swansea University. 

Lewis continued: “They say every home is someone’s castle – so there is definitely a link between what we do as house builders and the trail. 

“We chose Piccastle because it is such a colourful abstract piece which really stands out – the artist did an incredible job.” 

Wales Air Ambulance delivers advanced medical to people across Wales and relies on charitable donations to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.  

“The level of critical care the crews provide is incredible. We want to help raise awareness and encourage people to help us raise funds.”  

Barratt Homes South Wales is planning to organise several fundraising events in the coming months. 

Lewis, who is also the region’s Charity Champion, said: “We raised £73,000 for Marie Curie last year and we’d love to match that number again and maybe better it. 

“We’ve got a golf day towards the end of August, which we hope will raise a good amount of money. 

“We tend to do a charity walk, as it’s quite inclusive, enabling colleagues of all fitness levels to get involved. 

“There’s talk too of doing the national three peaks and we have a keen cyclist in our team doing a 200-mile cycle.” 

 Mark Stevens, Head of Fundraising and High Value Partnerships for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Barratt Homes South Wales has chosen us as their Charity of the Year. Their support will help to keep our helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road, enabling us to save lives across the country.

“The team there already have some great fundraisers planned, and it was great to kickstart the partnership with the sponsorship of a castle in our public art trail.

The trail is open to everyone, and the Charity hopes that it will attract supporters from across the country and afar.

Mark concluded: “If you’re looking for a summer activity then this is the perfect day out. Whether you find all the castles in one day, or spread it across a few weeks, you will be making a difference. If you haven’t done so already, download the app and explore the city from a new perspective. Every castle has its own tale to tell.”

At the end of the trail, the castle themed artworks will go under the hammer, raising vital funds for the lifesaving Charity.